After feverish anticipation, Orlando’s #1 dining, nightlife and entertainment destination Mango’s Tropical Cafe will celebrate the New Year with the official Grand Opening of parking in the adjacent Hollywood Plaza on Monday, December 31.

“The time has finally come to welcome the crowds, tourists and especially locals, who have found parking very difficult in the past… Well, not anymore,” says Wallack. “For the first time since Mango’s Grand Opening, we will have the best parking in all of Orlando, in a spotless parking facility safely next to our doors.” Wallack jokes, “Mango’s three-year soft opening is over.”

Getting serious, Wallack beams, “Mango’s Orlando is the hottest nightclub in the state of Florida, not just Orlando. Tampa, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Tallahassee, we’ll get them all. The party will be so hot in 2019, they’ll come from far and wide. We are the Studio 54 of the 21st Century.”

Hollywood Plaza’s Grand Opening comes right in time to ring in a thrilling New Year at Mango’s “Moulin Rouge NYE 2019 Extravaganza” that evening. “It will be the most dazzling show at Mango’s ever performed!” promises Wallack. “Watching the run-through this week has had my jaw on the floor.”

The show will feature a special 70’s Burlesque Show with classic numbers “Lady Marmalade” and “I’m a Good Girl,” plus the new Brazilian Samba Show, a hot Rock Medley featuring Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis and James Brown, the Lady Gaga Tribute, Shakira Belly Dancing Show, the Selena Tribute, the hottest Michael Jackson Tribute in the Country and so much more of Mango’s multi award-winning, Latin-inspired, family-friendly dinner show.

A gourmet three-course dinner on the main floor starts at $150pp, which features Florida lobster tail or filet mignon, with outdoor seating and open bar all night with Latin buffet at $125pp. Door passes for the hottest DJs in Orlando on the main floor and the mysterious Vodou Room are $50.

Starting Wednesday, January 2, 2019, Mango’s will proudly offer even more opportunities for its countless guests to experience unmatched entertainment when Mango’s “Dinner and Show” will debut continuous live stage entertainment Sundays through Wednesdays from 6:15pm-9:45pm. Friday shows will continue at 6pm and 9pm, and Saturdays will now offer three back-to-back shows at 5pm, 7pm and 9:30pm.

“In 2019, we guarantee the hottest weekend nightclub in Florida, the most impressive weeknight themed lounge, bar, drink specials and menus offerings, and the most incredible live stage show entertainment and events for the entire year… and then some,” says Wallack.

“The locals will also love our loyalty program, with extensive drink specials and a very cool, chill weeknight vibe upstairs paired with the hot Latin party downstairs. Mango’s will be going to places in your heart and soul you need to feel.”

“We had identified this opportunity some time ago, thinking Mooyah would excel on I-Drive,” Qarman said. “Mooyah has an outstanding reputation and food quality, and we are taking it further, bringing an exciting video arcade within the space. It will be a real destination for families, friends and parties!”

Qarman also stated he believes this will not be his only Mooyah in Central Florida. Qarman currently operates seven Ben & Jerry’s retail locations, including at Icon 360 on International Drive.

“There are a lot of players in the fast-casual burger space, but we really love Mooyah and their product,” said Joshua Wallack, who with his father David developed Hollywood Plaza and operate Mango’s Tropical Café Orlando, “and unlike many others, they are customizing this space as an entertainment venue.

It is important that guests on I-Drive feel like they are in Orlando and being entertained, and this kinetic design will do that. Burgers, high-quality shakes and arcade games, what more could you want? We have a lot of faith in Tareq as a seasoned operator who knows this market well.”

Home of the Biggest Block Parties in North Orlando Marks the New Year with Their Unforgettable Annual NYE Block Party and Legendary Shamrock Drop, Plus Double Celebration Welcoming the Irish New Year With a Special Bonus Toast!

Celebrate the New Year twice! Lake Mary is set to turn into Times Square with an iconic symbol to ring in the New Year as Liam Fitzpatrick’s Restaurant and Irish Pub invite Central Florida to countdown to 2019 at their annual NYE Block Party with Colonial Town Park plaza neighbors Graffiti Junction and Dexter’s of Lake Mary.

Liam’s NYE Block Party will celebrate the New Year at 7pm and again at midnight to ring in the New Year in both Ireland and America. Guests will also enjoy delicious Irish cuisine, drink specials, DJs spinning all night and Liam’s highly-anticipated “Shamrock Drop” countdown outside the plaza.

Visit www.LakeMaryBlockParty.com for General Admission and VIP tickets. Liam’s NYE Block Party also supports Orlando City Youth Soccer, the preeminent youth club in Central Florida, whose core values are player development, parental guidance, coaches education and community outreach.

WHY: Liam Fitzpatrick’s is carrying on the two-hundred-year-old tradition of great Irish pubs while keeping a strong commitment to the Central Florida community with a hearty mix of Irish food favorites and more, an extensive menu of quality beers and spirits, warm and friendly hospitality, great music and conversation, a stellar weekly entertainment lineup and of course its spectacular annual block parties.

For more information, call 407-936-3782 or visit www.liamfitzpatricks.com.

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is pulling out all the stops this holiday season. Magical decor, top-notch dining and Santa Claus himself will make for a memorable, sun-kissed celebration.

Upon stepping foot into the resort’s grand lobby, guests will be greeted by a holiday display that begs for an Instagram-worthy selfie or two. A giant, colorfully lit Christmas tree is set next to a life-sized gingerbread house that will bring out the child in guests young and young-at-heart.

Made of gingerbread and featuring a walking path and its own giant Christmas tree, the oversized house was designed by the resort’s pastry chef Kursten Restivo. Over 1,500 pieces of gingerbread and 180 pounds of icing adorn this confection that took over 1,000 hours to complete.Activities will include Beach bonfire and showing of A Christmas Story, on Dec. 21st at 6 p.m, Story time at the Kids Club on Dec. 24th at 10 a.m., Christmas Eve Children’s Party from 6-10 p.m., complete with holiday crafts, movies and plenty of cheer. Christmas Eve Kids Club activities are $65 per child and include dinner with a 4-foot-tall holiday sand sculpture unveiling on Dec. 25th at 8:30 a.m.

At 9 a.m. on Dec. 25th, Santa will make his entrance via jet ski to the resort’s private beach where he will greet guests and be available for photos. And, if surf conditions cooperate, he’ll even show off some acrobatic moves! The bravest guests can take part in a Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1st at 9 a.m.

On Christmas Day, guests and area residents can gather at the resort’s signature restaurant, 3800 Ocean, for a Christmas Brunch Buffet featuring sweeping ocean views. With seatings from noon until 4 p.m., the brunch features dishes designed by Executive Chef James King, and will include Sea Salt and Herb Crusted Prime Ribeye, Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb, and All-Natural Slow Roasted Tom Turkey.

There will also be a raw bar, ceviche bar, cheese and charcuterie station, and salad stations, and a selection of small plates, including Grilled Island Spiced Swordfish, Crunchy Coconut French Toast and Butternut Squash Ravioli. A display of holiday desserts prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Kursten Restivo will end the meal. Christmas Brunch is $75 for adults and $30 for children under 12.

On Christmas Night, an a la carte menu will be served at 3800 Ocean from 5-9 p.m. For starters, diners can choose from Corvina Ceviche with leche de tigre, Peruvian corn, sweet potato and aji Amarillo; Low Country She Crab Soup with lump crab and mushroom vol au vent, crab roe and dry sherry; and Poached Pear, Roasted Squash, Pecan and Medjool Date Salad.

Bartaco is introducing some fine holiday cocktails that are perfect for yuletide and New Years Eve imbibing.

These drink specials will be available from now until just after New Years Eve, and are certainly worth checking out.

Drinks are also a major focus of the restaurant, which has a stout tequila list of blancos, reposados, anejos and mezcals.

First up is the Mix & A-Mingle: A complex and warming house made sangria where Belinda bonarda red wine that perfectly blends with winter spices (cinnamon, star anise and cloves), ginger and agave. This is perfect for celebrating the upcoming National Sangria Day (12/20)!

Next is the Float Like a Dragonfly: A twist on the classic pisco sour, fruity pisco and smoky mezcal are complemented by sweet pineapple syrup, fresh egg whites (which create a rich and creamy texture) and a foamy cap.

For you Mojito Lovers, there is the Mojito Tinto: A refreshing spin on both a mojito and Tinto de Verano, this cocktail brings together the house rum, winter spiced sangria, muddled mint, sugar and lime juice to uniquely combine the two classic cocktails. Guests will be enchanted as each sip starts sweet and spiced but finishes crisp and tart thanks to its layered “sunrise” style.

The Winter Caipirinha comes in a Bold pink color with the cachaça (Brazilian rum) that gives crisp sweetness, while its pomegranate counterpart provides fruity brightness and slight tartness.With freshly squeezed juices, specialty cocktails and beer out of a bottle, Bartaco is reminiscent of a stylish beach resort with a great atmosphere made by woven basket light fixtures, and a wrap around bar that is front and center. It’s easy to forget where you are for the moment, and that's a great thing.The food here is really good, and this is just another excuse for you to make your way to Bartaco to enjoy the great food and enjoy some holiday cocktails after your long and tedious days of shopping for the family and finding the perfect gift. After all your hard work, go ahead and reward yourself with one of these great cocktails.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar will offer a festive Cuban feast to celebrate New Year’s Eve with two dinner seating choices available. Reservations for the early seating will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. .

Guests can select from Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot and Executive Chef Jose Gonzalez’s a la carte menu, which includes a variety of “tapas” or small plates, a selection of entrées and desserts, and other signature dishes reflective of Old Havana including several New Year’s Eve specials.

Early seating guests who make reservations before 7 p.m. will receive a $25 Cuba Libre gift card per couple to be used during a future visit.

For late night dining, with seating times between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., Cuba Libre will showcase an impressive New Year’s Eve buffet featuring dishes from Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot’s latest cookbook, Cuba Cooks, along with seasonal tapas and a carving station.

The second seating is priced at $100 per person (alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity not included) which includes a Champagne toast, DJ and dancing, and party favors for the Midnight celebration.

Also they will be offering Taro Crusted Black Grouper with sour orange sauce and sautéed spinach; Pulled Grilled Goat Leg with charred vegetable marinade and baby red mustard leaves; Roasted Vegetable Empanada Pie with assorted roasted vegetables, served in a flaky crust, as well as Tamal en Cazuela with boniato.

For dessert, guests can enjoy a selection of sweets including Chocolate and Rum Filled Mini Doughnuts; Flan de Queso in Caramel; Dulce de Leche Cheesecake; Arroz con Leche de Mami Totty; Cucuruchos, and Chocolate Rice Pudding Brûlée with guava marmalade.

Guests at the second seating will be able to keep their reserved table throughout the evening. Additionally, partygoers who opt for the $100 buffet option can add an optional beverage package to their dining experience, which includes three premium drink tickets for an additional $25 per person.

Reservations for the early seating will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Reservations for the second seating will also be available from 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Interested guests can call (407) 226-1600 to make a reservation for the buffet dinner. For additional information, please visit www.cubalibrerestaurant.com.

Orlando, FL 32819(407) 248-0094View Website HereTis’ the season to eat at Tony Roma’s!

Tony Roma’s on International Drive will be open this holiday season on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day from noon to 11:00 p.m.

Starting December 24 to January 1, guests can enjoy their choice of starter house salad or classic potato soup, with an entrée of a 12oz. slow-smoked prime rib served with red skinned mashed potatoes and a fresh vegetable, all for $29 (a children’s version is also available for $16).

Wine Pairings are also available at an additional cost and include: Markham Merlot, Napa Valley for $10.00, and a Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve, Santa Lucia Highlands, California for $12.00 and the Classic Romarita will be offered at $9.00

For an additional $9, guests can also add on a half rack of Tony Roma’s world-famous baby back ribs to this delectable deal. Wine pairings and desserts will also be available.

As an added bonus, if you purchase $50 worth of gift cards, you earn $15 in Roma Bucks for free -- that’s a celebration in itself.

Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar is a contemporary version of a classic fish camp, serving fresh Florida seafood prepared in a southern style and served in a casual, family friendly environment. With Winter Park being located almost directly between Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts, they are in the perfect place to receive daily shipments from the state’s top sustainable seafood purveyors.

The menu is pretty set, but they do have occasional menu additions that explore delicious fish and seafood sustainably sourced from waters further afield, that is served with generous helpings of laid back Southern hospitality.

One such menu addition worth exploring is the return of the second annual Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner on Monday, December 24th.

The food will be served at a communal table and shared among 50 guests with wine pairings and dessert to finish it off.

The evening begins with a warm reception with a sampling of snacks that include Octopus Ceviche, Baked Clams Casino and Shrimp Mac & Cheese paired with Gratien & Meyer, Rose Champagne, Cremant de Loire, Brut, France.

Baked Clams Casino.

After reception diners will move on to family style sharing platters that start with savory flavors with Whiskey Shrimp and then Seafood Nachos paired with Blue Rock, Baby Blue Blanc, Sonoma Coast, 2017.

The Fried portion of the dinner is next with a whole fried Hog Fish and a whole fried genuine American Red Snapper with smothered tomatoes & okra and french fries paired with Bravium, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2015.

The whole fried Hog Fish was incredible.

Bravium, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2015.

For intermezzo, or a break between everything guests will be served Gulf Oyster Shooters featuring Tito’s Vodka.

After all of the shareable plates are served, each guest will get an individual plate of Cioppino, a pasta dish made with Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Grouper and Tomato Broth over Linguine. Cioppino is an Italian American Fisherman's Stew. This is paired with Bertani, Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy, 2014.

The Cioppino was just phenomenal. The Chef and Kitchen staff said it's all about the broth for this dish to be just right, and it takes perfect execution.

For dessert, Mike’s Famous Carrot Cake and a Seven Layer Chocolate Cake is served with Graham's 20-Year Tawny Port.

I don’t know what Mike puts in his “Famous” Carrot Cake, but it is hands down one of the best carrot cakes I've ever had.

The Seven Layer Chocolate Cake was very good as well. Very rich, moist and delicious.

Tickets are $69 per person (plus tax + gratuity) and can be reserved by calling (407) 543-3474. The Feast begins at 6:30 pm, and is available for the first 50 guests.

In the giving spirit of the holidays, Reel Fish will be donating 10% of all the Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner proceeds to the Coastal Conservation Association.
*Menu and wines subject to change based on availability*

Savor a coastal dining experience for the holidays that features comforting, chef-crafted classics with inventive recipes and unique gourmet fish sourced directly from local Southern waters all at a price that is very affordable.

Tavistock Restaurant Collection’s third Central Florida restaurant concept had a soft opening on November 19th with a grand opening announced for January.

Park Pizza & Brewing Company, the third Orlando area restaurant by Tavistock Restaurant Collection, has officially opened for business on Nov. 19th, 2018.

A grand opening celebration is slated for Jan. 2019, when the house-brewed beer, created by newly appointed Head Brewer Marco Reyna, will debut to guests.

Located in Lake Nona Town Center, Park Pizza & Brewing Company is a 5,055-square-foot, community-focused gathering place featuring an onsite brewery and indoor-outdoor seating appropriate for families, friends and coworkers.

Fired in 900 degree wood burning ovens, the artisanal pizzas will be topped with traditional toppings like pepperoni and buffalo mozzarella, as well as elevated gourmet toppings.

Dine-in will be available upon opening, but order-ahead pickup to-go options are forthcoming. Complimentary parking will be available in the five-story central parking structure featuring Lake Nona’s interactive landmarks, The Beacon and Code Wall.

Park Pizza & Brewing Co. is Lake Nona’s home away from home, a welcoming retreat for the entire community. They serve up wood-fired pizza and house-brewed beer, plus a sense of neighborhood pride.

Within the dining room, at the bar, or on the patio, you’ll find a place to grab a bite and a pint, watch the game, hang with your kids, and catch up with friends.

Ten years after the world changed forever, in some small way they wanted to change it back.

The founders of Mission BBQ, strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great, which is its heroes.

Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for their country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose, decided to open up the first Mission BBQ with a belief that there is nothing more American than BBQ, and nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve our communities and our country.

They do what they do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders and all our loved ones in service.

The founders of Mission BBQ, Bill Kraus and Steve Newton journeyed across Texas to Kansas City, the Carolinas to St. Louis...to discover the secrets of great BBQ, and they now have 41 locations in 11 states and are still growing.

Everyday they strive to serve authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients, and serve it to you in a patriotic dining room filled with tributes to those who’ve made our country great, given to us by the people who earned them.

The menu has all the classic and traditional BBQ items you would come to expect, like Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs, Smoked Sausage, Smoked Turkey and Pulled Chicken that is available as combo or as a sandwich with a variety of side offerings. The sides include Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Green Beans, Brisket Baked Beans and fries to name a few.

Like many places today, Mission BBQ is fast casual, where you walk up, place your order, and when it is ready, they will call your name and you go and grab your tray of food.

The Brisket Sandwich is packed full of delicious brisket, and Mission BBQ does not skimp on the meat, this was served with Brisket Baked beans with large chunks of brisket and french fries.

The Ribs are no joke here either, they literally fell right off the bone, and didn't need any extra BBQ sauce. Every meal is served with a side if sweet cornbread, and on this order of RIbs, my dining guest ordered the Brisket Baked Beans and a side of Collards, which are seasonal.

I'm not usually a fan of pulled chicken, as it tends to be dry, but Mission BBQ does it right with a very flavorful and moist pulled chicken. This was served with Collards and Green Beans & Bacon.

I went with the XXL Combo with Brisket, Pulled Pork and Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage with a side of Maggies Mac & Cheese and Brisket Baked Beans. This was enough for a meat coma, and it was all delicious. The brisket can be ordered wet or dry, and I went with the more flavorful portions of brisket ordered wet.

Stop by at lunchtime, and you might catch them during the daily salute to the Stars and Stripes. At Mission BBQ, they proudly serve those who serve. Stop by and help them complete their Mission.

Mission BBQ is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday they are open till 10:00 pm, and on Sunday they open at 11:30 pm and close at 8:30 pm.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill modernizes the traditional “bar and grill” concept with approachable dining in a dynamic setting inspired by traditional farmhouses and a touch of California elegance.

The restaurant captures the essence of the laid-back Californian dining experience, made popular by Puck himself. The Disney Springs location will be Puck’s fourth Bar & Grill behind LA Live, MGM in Las Vegas and most recently, Summerlin.

“We are very excited to be returning to Disney Springs with Bar & Grill concept,” said Wolfgang. “The restaurant is a perfect fit for the area and we look forward to bringing our cuisine to locals and all of the visitors to this area as well. My team and our partners all have something fresh to introduce and we cannot wait to see it flourish.”

Chef Michael currently heads up Lupo by Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas and has been with the company for 20 years. The menus are designed to accommodate a variety of occasions from leisurely meals or the perfect celebratory gathering, as well as welcoming visitors from around the world.

Both the lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of Puck’s signature dishes such as pizzas, handmade pastas, steak and seafood – with menu items often featuring local and organic ingredients.

To complement the dining experience, the restaurant features a full-service bar with an extensive selection of classic and artisanal cocktails, craft beers and wines.

The 250-seat restaurant provides a warm and casual environment in the heart of Disney Springs with a beautiful setting designed by tonychi. The design is reminiscent of a grand barn house; it features natural materials, providing a sense of tranquility, refinement and warmth.

The restaurant also has a 24-person seated patio as well as a pizza bar and a walk-up window where guests can order a selection of gelato and homemade pastries. The team offers personalized service and attention to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 12 am.

This Thanksgiving-themed event will have seasonal drinks, a live DJ, fun games like Shake Your Tail Feather and tons of prizes!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Drive Shack is inviting guests to celebrate the holiday during its FREE monthly brunch event. Guests can get into the holiday spirit by sipping on Drive Shack’s seasonally inspired drink – Captain Morgan Pumpkin Spice Sloshie – while dancing to tunes spun by a live DJ. And don’t miss the bottomless mimosas for just $15!

Adding to the festivities, you can challenge your friends to games like Giant Jenga and Corn Hole. Be sure to save your energy for Shake Your Tail Feather – a fun holiday game where participants have a box of feathers tied to their waist and must shake their “tail” until all their feathers are gone.

The first person to get rid of all their feathers will win a Thanksgiving turkey! And since everyone’s a winner at Drive Shack, plenty of other prizes will be given away beginning at 2 p.m., including free BayPlay, Drive Shack swag and a free Group Social Event, which includes two hours of BayPlay in two premium golf bays, a food and beverage credit, free general membership cards and more.

Located at 7285 Corner Drive (exit Lake Nona Blvd. off FL-417) in Lake Nona’s vibrant Sports and Performance District, Drive Shack Orlando is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

About Drive Shack:

The flagship Orlando location is a three-story, indoor/outdoor all-weather golf-entertainment complex where scratch golfers and hackers alike create memorable experiences every time they visit. Check out your swing, track your scores, compete with other bays or simply PLAY ON using Drive Shack’s interactive games.

Dine in the contemporary bar and grill or take advantage of the full-service food and drinks available in each bay. Then, enjoy non-stop fun in the Free Play Game Lounge, featuring classic games like shuffleboard, Skee-ball and Pac-Man. The venue also offers private event space that can accommodate groups from 10 to 1,000 guests. For more information, visit driveshack.com.

Simon, a global leader in premier shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, has announced that Ford’s Garage, an Official Licensee of Ford Motor Company, will be joining Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, opening November 12.

An all-American gourmet burger bar and restaurant, Ford’s Garage will open a 5,280 square-foot restaurant at the Promenade within Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

“We listen to our customers, and they are looking for high-quality, dine-in restaurant options to enjoy while they shop,” said Donald Dooley, Area General Manager at Orlando Premium Outlets. “Ford’s Garage offers a unique dining experience with its historic automotive theme, prime burgers, and craft beers, and we are certain that it will become an instant favorite for our shoppers.”

Ford's Garage is your neighborhood burger and beer joint. Inside the Garage, diners will be welcomed to a 1920's service station vibe, which includes vintage Ford vehicles, gas pumps, prohibition-style elements of old brick, rich wood, and hand-hammered copper bar tops.

The food menu features gourmet burgers, American comfort food, and lighter fare. Ford’s Garage has a focus on American Craft Beer, with multiple rotating taps and bottled beers. Their drink menu also features wine, hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic options.

“We are excited to expand into Orlando,” said Billy Diamond, Executive VP of Operations. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets will provide unparalleled access to residents, tourists and shoppers, and we look forward to welcoming diners to our restaurant this fall.”